Mid-Career Transition To HR

Elizabeth

Thanks for the really good advice. I am going to e-mail the OA to see if they have any good contacts. I have heard very positive reports about the AMAC and recognise my lack of commercial awareness is an area for rapid improvement. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

Jenny

I admit that I am quite excited by that buzz. I have spent lots of time in and around London and have always been drawn to the idea of working there at some point. I am lucky in that I will be within a reasonable commuting distance and in an area which suits.

Simon

Jenny

Many thanks for the comment it will really help with my research as I think that my best transition gateway will be with an organisation used to dealing with service leavers. As I am rapidly learning networking in an informed a manner as possible will be critical - any little insight helps. Thanks for your time and input.

Simon

Hi, Simon.

I was in exactly the same position as you around 6 years ago with a similar background and experience and without any formal HR qualifications (although I had obtained Chartered Member status). I am hopefully proof that what you are considering is quite achievable.

I also considered undertaking a formal Level 7 CIPD qualification during my resettlement but went for Executive Business Management instead to broaden my knowledge, capability and employability.

For me the OA wasn't much help (maybe it was the consultant I met with rather than the OA as a whole - she was very dismissive!) but my experience shouldn't put you off - speak to as many people as you can and take from them what you think will help you.

If you want to chat through your situation in any detail then please do let me know. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

James

James

Firstly many thanks for replying and it is very encouraging to hear from someone else who has successfully made the switch. I am really keen to hear about how you went about getting your Chartered status and why you didn't pursue the Level 7 so would be grateful for a little more of your story when it is convenient for you. Thanks

Hi Simon, while I was not in the RAF I was in the Irish Police Force and decided to transition to HR in my early 40's, I moved from ROI to the UK after I completed my CIPD Level 5 and other courses. My advice would be to start with a Level 5 in HRM, that to really get fully advantage of the Level 7 you need to be working in the HR field first. In terms of the CIPD Level 5 this would give you plenty to learn and understand, especially the different terminology.
I like others found it hard to transition, not from moving from a Public Servant to a Civilian as I had been planning that for some time by interacting with mainly Civilian friends outside of work, doing other courses where I was around Civilians this got me out of the 'Lingo' and 'banter' and I learnt a lot about working in the private sector as a result but for getting companies to understand my 'transferable skills, knowledge and experience' I found a lot of companies did not see how I had 'transferable skills' but eventually I found a company that did understand. There are companies out there that like having ex forces working for them for a number of reasons, you need to keep going, go to Networking groups, CIPD evenings (these are on Eventbrite.co.uk and are free, you will find meeting other members a great advantage.

Hi Simon,

Have you made any progress? I left the RN after 6 years service, so much less experience, but I opted for level 5 CIPD as I found most employers specified CIPD qualification as essential, but not the level. If you are looking at a HR Director role though, then Level 7 is a must. Will the RAF pay your full fees? I used ELCs after leaving, so cost was also a factor for me. I have secured a role in HR, but it was hit and miss with employers whether they took the time to consider my experience. Something to consider is Employment Law; this is a must for a lot of employers, so it might be worth looking at any additional courses in this area above the Certificate/Diploma as I'm assuming your roles have been mostly subject to military regulations. I recommend AVADO learning for the certificate/diploma if you're comfortable carrying out your own reading and learning in your own time - it's 100% online and there are start dates throughout the year.

I second the comments regarding the Officer's Association. I was put in contact with a former officer now working as a human capital consultant in London, she was excellent, not least because she gave me the confidence to just go for it. She secured her role through networking, so I would advise starting to make connections through LinkedIn and the OA.

Good luck,

Amy

Marion

Thanks for the advice. I think the transition period is really important to get right as it is a mental switch as well as a physical change. The trick for me now is to start identifying companies that understand what comes with the military experience. Thanks for taking the time to provide some advice -I really appreciate it

Amy

Thanks for the comments. I will have to use my ELCs for the course and pay the rest myself. I am happy with on-line learning as it will give more flexibility so thanks for the tip on AVADO. I am going to see the OA next month and then sort out LinkedIn and start some networking. I am really grateful for you taking the time to provide some advice.

I meant to say, as well as OA, the CTP (as much as they'll try to put you on a course about registering for a doctor!) were able to provide good contacts. They have a list of former officers who are happy to be contacted for careers advice/networking. I'm not sure how much information they will give you unless you're in your last two years of commission/resigned. They also hold career fairs which if you can attend great, but if not they have a list of attendees which gives you an idea of who is open to ex-military.

The NHS is pushing forward with an ex-military recruitment programme called Step into Health if you would consider public sector. A former colleague of mine is assisting with the programme's expansion in Leeds. And Amazon have a dedicated ex-military recruiter who is readily available on LinkedIn.

Finally, if you use the ELCs it might be worth enrolling for a certificate in one financial year and topping up to the diploma in the next.